Theatre’s unsung heroes

It is probably pretty easy to say that everyone in theatre is something of an unsung hero. Perhaps hero is not the right word, but nonetheless I am talking about those people in the industry who work hard for very little public admiration. They don’t get to appear on morning television promoting the show, or have their face splashed around posters and billboards.

It is probably pretty easy to say that everyone in theatre is something of an unsung hero. Perhaps hero is not the right word, but nonetheless I am talking about those people in the industry who work hard for very little public admiration. They don’t get to appear on morning television promoting the show, or have their face splashed around posters and billboards.

Now, I can imagine that every crew member in the country, or even every ensemble member, is currently putting their hand up and screaming “that’s me”. Just for today, however, I want to just take a little look at a handful of people who I think deserve a pat on the back for what they do in the theatre, even if they aren’t quite in the spotlight.

I actually want to start with an actor in the shape of Natalie Alexopoulos. For those unaware, Natalie has quietly assumed the lead role of Kate Monster in Avenue Q, a role she was originally covering. Michala Banas has left the show, and Natalie has assumed the rather difficult and demanding role. Obviously the tour is winding down, and hence many people don’t even know she’s assumed the role. So let’s congratulate Natalie for what is a fantastic achievement – she’s a hard worker, a great actor and this major lead role deserves applause.

Let’s move on to a man named Kris Stewart who I believe is quite well known within the industry but perhaps not so by Average Joe. I had lunch with Kris last weekend and here is a passionate, inspiring bloke who we should be utilising more and more. He is currently the Resident director of the hit show Wicked, but this guy founded the New York Musical Theatre Festival. HELLO! Eyes wide open – this guy has some brains and we should stand up and take notice, particularly when he produces his first ever Sydney Fringe Festival later this year.

Still in the Wicked world, and I want to say a big congratulations to musical director Kellie Dickerson and in fact every musical director, who is essentially the ‘quarterback’ of a show but perhaps doesn’t get the attention they deserve. After all, I keep meeting people who think the cast’s acknowledgement of the orchestra at the end of a show is an acknowledgement of the audience. Dickerson is as tough as they come – and as we all know, tragically lost her partner Rob Guest during the run of Wicked. I speak to so many people who find Kellie an inspiration – and she should be proud. We’re lucky to have her.

I want to give Geoff Sirmai a pat on the back as well. Sure, he can represent all publicists for the sake of the argument, but Geoff works primarily in the independent theatre world, which is a much tougher slog as far as getting press exposure and reviews is concerned. Whilst it takes a talented person to ensure a major musical is well exposed, it requires someone even more talented to push a small show with very little budget. Geoff is a talented and bubbly guy who loves this industry and throws so much into it, that he deserves something back. Good on you Geoff – keep fighting.

Finally, let’s here it for Neil Litchfield and David Spicer. These two guys have really pushed the Stage Whispers magazine brand in recent years and it is great to have a theatre-specific magazine land in the mailbox every two months. I’m sure it’s a tough slog for these guys, particularly with the issue surrounding the future of the print medium, but they do a fantastic job and the content they deliver in such a limited timeframe is first class. I’d advise anyone who hasn’t subscribed to get themselves a subscription right now.

So, there’s a small sample of theatre’s unsung heroes. But there are many more. From the mums and dads who drive kids to dancing and singing lessons, setting them on the career path they desire, to the volunteer writers to contribute to this website and any others. From every ensemble member to every crew member, and every person behind a box office window.

This industry is made up of so many special people and I for one am proud to be a part of it. Next time you come across an unsung hero of sorts, make sure you give them a pat on the back – you have no idea just how good they’ll feel.